Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Ben died this afternoon at 3:00 p.m.at home. His passing was peaceful and, mercifully, rather quick. The funeral will be at noon on Wednesday, October 20th, at the Parleys 6th Ward, 2350 South 2100 East in SLC. Our family will greet friends at that same location Tuesday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:45 until 11:45 a.m. Thanks again for all of your wonderful concern and support.

I want to let you know how much I have thought and prayed for you. While it's been some time since we've seen each other Allison, please know how much I love you and am here for you. Ben was an amazing amazing guy and I'm so very grateful for yours and his friendship through the years. xoxo

I'm so sorry for your loss. Allison, you are truly an amazing woman, wife and mother. Ben will be missed but how blessed we are to know where he is right now. His last post was inspiring.I've always admired you and your family, ever since I moved into the ward.The Lord will be with you at this challenging time in your life.Love, Brittany.

Wow! Our hearts goes out to your family. You will continue to be in our prayers. We are grateful that you have been willing to share this struggle. We are grateful for Ben's courage in fighting the good fight. May our Heavenly Father bless you with an abundance of his spirit.

I don't know your family but I stumbled across your blog exactly one week ago. How sad I am to hear of Ben's passing but I have been so moved by his story. I am thankful to have read of his courage and his testimony. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

What a privilege to have known Ben and see his legacy; to know you and your little ones. You are a remarkable family and a strength and inspiration to us all. We're saddened by your loss but blessed to know the truth therein. All our love. ♥Janie & Ryan Palmer

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I once heard Berniece Burt refer to it as shooting on over, what a great phrase. And although it's been a while since we've seen each other, know that my thoughts & prayers are with you & your family. May you find comfort in the gospel & our Savior.

Allison, it's been a long time since we've been in touch, but I heard about Ben's fight with cancer through Troy and I've been following the blog for a month or so. I was so sorry to hear of Ben's passing today. You have a beautiful family and thank goodness for the knowledge that this life is but a brief stop in our eternal journey. Sending you my love and prayers.

Alison, I have followed your's and Ben's journey for so long now. The tears just won't stop. I am so sorry for your loss. I have been so deeply touched by your family. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kari and I were actually talking about your family at the time we received the phone call last night. We were touched by Ben's last entry in the blog. Ben and your family have shown amazing courage. Your family is in our prayers.

We truly mourn with you, sweet Allison, Sarah, Cameron and Nathan. You are in our hearts and prayers and we know our Savior's tender mercies will be upon you; and angels will be all around to bear you up.

I heard the sad news this morning and wanted to let Ben's family know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I served with Ben in Japan, but we haven't been in contact for years, but I thought of him often. He's one of those people that left such a big impression on me. Kind, hardworking and a great love for life and the Lord.

Allison, You are indeed a remarkable woman, as Ben has stated in his blog. We look up to you as you have gone through this horrible cancer with Ben, with the utmost grace, courage, and dignity. Please know of our love for you and your children at this time. Ben is and was an incredible man. His spirit will shine through you and your children forever. Love, Suzy and Tracy Stocking

"There are some things that are more important than council approval. And if it means that we get closer to killing off this cheating, sly, conniving bloody disease that cancer is, I tell you, I'd run round Skipton market naked, smeared in plum jam, wearing nothing but a knitted tea cosy on me head and singing "Jerusa...lem". " -Calendar Girls

RIP Ben.

Allison,We knew you through the Michie's. My husband, John, thought very highly of Ben. I met you and your family swimming at the Michie's with your adorable kids. We have pictures we will send you. My heart is breaking hearing of this. I'm so sorry. You will be in all of our prayers. May you be wrapped in God's love and in His angels comfort through this. Love, Sherri & John Michie

It is really a sad moment to loss some one you love most. At this moment I know that Ben is in the right place and it was his time to be called by God. I continue to pray for the family. Your Dad Ben was my Mission President in England and he inspired me a lot. May the lord bless the all family and friends. Ronnie Kyambadde (Uganda)

I am so sorry to hear this news. I'm sure this has been a trying time and I feel so sad for all of you. Of course, I am happy that Ben has such a strong testimony and that he is happily engaged in a new cause, but my heart is heavy.

Allison & Family, you don't know me but I skied with Ben on several occasions. I am so sorry for your loss. Ben is an amazing person, and I am thankful to have known him. Seeing your heading, "He's up the trail," reminded me of this photo I took of Ben skinning up the pass below Triangle Peak in January 2009. In light of Ben's journey, it has a lot of symbolism. See http://picasaweb.google.com/splitboarder/12709Neffs#5296215725255048434

Hi, we are good friends of Jeff and Heather. My husband was diagnosed with cancer last year as well. We feel like we practically know you through the Pickett's and have thought of you often. I feel overwhelming sadness for what your family is going through. We will keep you in our prayers. I know that God is aware of all that we are going through, however unfair it may be. I hope you will know of his love and feel his arms wrapped around you.Love, James and Kelly Wood

You and Ben are trully an inspiration and an example of the cup half full. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. You guys have influenced us in ways you will never know, and have inspired us to be better people. Thank you for sharing your testimonies with us, by the way you live your lives. We love you and your family, and continue to keep you in our prayers.

Allison,I am so sorry about Ben's passing. I was very touched by his last entry as it was so full of faith and hope. My prayers are with you and your family. I will be out of town over the viewing and funeral but I wanted to let you know I will be thinking of you and Ben.Andrea Lunt

Thank you for the opportunity to spend time with your family this week during this difficult time. Ben's funeral was one of the more spiritual experiences I have had. Allison, Elder Oaks is right, you can and will do it. We have the utmost faith and confidence in you. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of honoring such a great man and his equally great wife. You have had a profound impact on our family.